Final answer:
Motifs are used in art and literature to symbolize the difficulty characters face in relating to each other and the outside world, such as the contrast of light and dark, and the adversarial relationship with nature highlighted in Motherwell's paintings and London's descriptions of the Yukon.
Step-by-step explanation:
Artists and writers use various motifs to represent the difficulty characters have in relating to each other, and to the outside world. In the work of Motherwell, such difficulties are symbolized through the use of contrasting light and dark, stylized and organic elements to define the human experience within his paintings.
Similarly, literature often employs symbolism and setting to explore the characters' struggles.
For example, London's descriptions of the Yukon in his narratives question the place of humans within nature, suggesting an adversarial relationship and hinting at overarching themes of isolation and struggle against external elements.
Furthermore, characters often express their views on their environments, which may reflect social or political values, as seen in the works of Wordsworth, where confronting poverty leads to self-reflection.
Examining such conflicts and relationships within texts can yield deeper understanding of both the characters' experiences and broader human conditions. From the existential trials highlighted by Motherwell to the environmental challenges posed in London's Yukon, these motifs and conflicts serve to illustrate the complex interactions between individuals and their worlds.